Application Details

Who is Eligible

Male and Female athletes aged between 16-18 in 2019 (born in 2001 - 2003) live in the Northern Inland region, be a member of a Hockey NSW affiliated association (or be prepared to join).

Selection Process

Up to 14 Male and 14 Female athletes will be offered a place in the Hockey Program based on performance at selection trials and or via talent identification processes. Selection will also be based on your attitude and commitment to Hockey. Trials will take place on Saturday 21st October in Tamworth, girls from 10am to 12noon and boys from 1pm to 3pm.

Program year

Scholarship offered is for a 12 month period, November 2018 to March 2019 with skill based technical and tactical program during Hockey off-season. Refer to events on webpage to confirm training sessions. There will be a minimum of 36 hours of training on the turf.

Please find below the confirmed dates for the 2019 NIAS Hockey Program. Please note training sessions will run from 8am to 11am each time. Please note all training sessions are compulsory, exceptions are made for illness, injury, school excursions and competing at a Representative Hockey Event. An email must be sent to your head coach with a copy to the NIAS Office prior. Failure to attend may see you lose your position in the 2018 NIAS Hockey program

ClubsNSW Academy Games Friday 26th to Sunday 28th April
NIAS Awards Night to be confirmed.

Satellite training sessions to be run weekly in Armidale and Tamworth – times to be confirmed.

Off season skill program is designed to provide players with increased skills and fitness to better prepare them for selection into NSW squads and school representative squads

.Program Outcomes

Selection Criteria

The following specific skills and tests can be conducted as part of the selection process at trials.

1st Touch quality

Off ball awareness

Off Ball movement

Awareness of role out-letting

Awareness of role pressing

Endurance- 20m shuttle run or similar test

Decision making with the ball

Passion to succeed

Speed

Receiving front

Receiving reverse

Receiving going forward

Receiving- turning with strength

Receiving under pressure

Elimination 1V1

Elimination 2V1

Defensive Skills.

Appeals

Subjectivity is an unavoidable element in all selections. Athletes who feel the selection criteria has not been adhered to should be aware that NIAS has a formal 'Appeals' process available.

Program content

Skill sessions and camps are held within the region throughout November to April. The skills program follows a structured approach concentrating on a range of individual skills early in the program which lead into team skills involving concept skills and game strategies. Guest coaches ensure that the program remains fresh and interesting and athletes are presented with new ideas and different perspectives to encourage their learning. Fitness sessions focus on the importance of building core strength to improve posture, balance and technique - both speed and an introduction to weights sessions are conducted. In May-June players are required to attend the NIAS RACE program. This program covers education sessions on sport psychology, sports medicine, nutrition, public speaking, media training, sun protection and career skills. The squad competes in the Annual Clubs NSW Academy Games each April.

The program consists of approximately 10 regional training sessions held in either Armidale and Tamworth. One session may include an inter Academy visit. Dates for 2018 program are to be confirmed please refer to events on webpage to confirm training sessions.

Athlete Benefits:

Intensive training support by quality regional, guest and state level coaches.

GROWTH Day

NIAS merchandise- training shirt, polo, shorts, cap and socks to be purchased by new athletes, returning athletes may purchase individual items as required. Additional items available for purchase.

Individual home training program and structured satellite training sessions